I love the Legion of Superheroes and their 30th Century stories. One of my favorite story lines was when Brainiac 5, the emotionless thinker fell in love with Supergirl. His logic fell to pieces. He would do silly stuff to get her attention. He even built a robot the matched Supergirl in every way because he loved her so much. To me it was pure comedy and I loved every minute.

Pure Logic

“My Decision was based on pure logic…No offense but I really don’t think you can follow the reasoning of a 12th level intellect such as my own.” - Brainiac 5*

Querl Dox, Brainiac 5, is the great-great grandson of the evil robot, Brainiac, that challenged Superman on many occasions. Wait? How is a person related to a robot? Brainiac escapes and learns to pass on his intelligence organically and to clone his intelligence. He does this on a distant planet, Colu. The Coluans have always sought reason, logic and raising the IQ. 1000 years in the future a young Querl Dox will join the Legion of Superheroes as atonement for Brainiac’s misdeeds. Querl would prove his mantle by creating the serum to cure Mon-El of his lead poisoning illness, creating and perfecting the Legion Flight Rings and creating his force-field belt that protects himself from damage. But Brainiac 5 looses all reasoning and logic when he falls in love with Supergirl.

Take a moment and think about decisions we make … How many are based on “pure logic”? Not that many to be honest. Pure logic is used to load the dishwasher, ordering the shampoos on the bath rack and alphabetizing or numerically ordering your comic books. Sorry but NO decision is based on pure logic. Our emotions come into play – before, during and after the decision is made. The CEO of a Gigantic Corporation will not make decisions based on “pure logic”. The CEO wants the best – he wants to pay his bills and keep his livelihood. Logical decisions are made but emotions play a big part. So now let’s go with the emotions. The realization that the emotions are important to a decision process makes decision making easier. One thing not mentioned about Brainiac 5 was, he often had difficulty making decisions because too many scenarios or options or outcomes could happen. He had to wait for the “right” outcome. Find the different outcomes then go with what “feels” right. Go ahead let the emotions help.

Brainiac 5
First Appearance: Action Comics #276 (May, 1961)

Creators: Jerry Siegel (writer) and Jim Mooney (art)

*”Far From Home”, Justice League Unlimited, Season 2, Episode 10 airdate April 15 2006